The most beautiful beaches and getaways in the South of France

The most beautiful beaches

• Mala Beach, Cap d'Ail: breathtaking, this magnificent beach of golden sand and turquoise waters is in the bay of Saint-Laurent. It can only be reached on foot, by the shoreline, or by stairs. 

• Plage passable, Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat: On the edge of the famous harbor of Villefranche-sur-Mer, this beach is sheltered from the wind and populated with palm trees, offering a breathtaking view of the azure sea. A restaurant and a snack bar are on site.  

• Plage de la Garoupe in Antibes: This is one of the most heavenly beaches on the Côte d'Azur. Known for its crystal clear water and fine sand, it is also the starting point of the Cap d'Antibes trail that leads to the famous lighthouse which dominates it. 

• Plage du midi in Cannes: It extends from the Port of Cannes to Mandelieu-La-Napoule. Quieter is less frequented than the mythical Croisette beach. It offers a breathtaking view of the Esterel massif and the Lérins Islands. 

• Plage de Cavalière, Lavandou:  This beach of marvelous natural beauty is known for its white sand and its pine tree border. She is also known as "la sportive". Therefore you should find many water activities for young and old to do.

• Plage de l'Estagnol in Bormes les mimosas: Looking for a tropical atmosphere? The Estagnol beach is the ideal place. Nicknamed "Tahiti Provençal", this magnificent beach of fine sand and transparent water will seduce you.

Getaways not to be missed

• The Calanques: The south is known for its beaches but also its wonderful Calanques. The most beautiful: the creeks of Cassis, En-Vau, Sugiton, and Marseilleveyre. With their postcard-like scenery, turquoise waters, unique underwater fauna, and magnificent contrasts with the limestone rocks of the region, the creeks are not to be missed. 

• The lakes and rivers of the Luberon: The Luberon massif offers magnificent swimming spots, ideal between two hikes or walks. Villanovo gives you some ideas: The Durance, rivers that flow into the Rhône, the Etang de la Bonde, the Lac de Vannades or the Etang de Cucuron. 

• Natural parks: The PACA region is the perfect destination for ecotourism and for those who love walking and hiking. With its 8 natural parks, you have a good number of choices. There are the regional parks of the Alpilles, Baronnies Provençales, Camargue, Lubéron, Queyras, Préalpes d'Azur, Verdon, Sainte-Baume and Mont-Ventoux. 

• The Colorado Provençal: Stroll through a unique universe, between Martian and Far West landscapes, the colorado provençal will amaze you. Located in Rustrel, this site of ochre rocks is breathtaking. 

Unique activities in the South of France

• Hiking: between the sea and mountains, the south offers a range of possibilities for unforgettable hikes. Go hiking near the sea, with a view of the turquoise blue Mediterranean, or venture into the Luberon mountains and the steeper Provencal mountains. 

• Cycling on Porquerolles Island: Porquerolles Island is a small island opposite Hyères, only 7.5 km long and 3 km wide. With 50 km of paths, this island is ideal for a bike ride with family or friends. The island hides wonderful coves, beautiful viewpoints, and the lush vegetation of the place makes you dream. 

• Kayaking: In the south, many rivers offer unique places to kayak. You will be thrilled and entertained. Discover the south in a new and unforgettable way. 

• Diving in the Mediterranean: The Mediterranean offers a wide range of diving spots, each as beautiful as the next. There are many protected natural areas with unique fauna and flora. Shipwrecks, submarines, and other wrecks dot the seabed, providing unusual visuals all along the coast. 

• Fishing in Le lac des Cigales in Le Muy: Outside July and August, you can fish for trout in abundance, and carp in summer. You are free to bring your equipment or rent it on site. Enjoy a picnic in the open air thanks to the tables at your disposal and admire this exceptional setting. The lake is 4 km from Muy and 20 km from the famous seaside resort of Saint-Raphaël in the Var. Many other sites in the south of France offer the same possibility.  

• Pétanque: A game of pétanque is a must during your holiday in the South of France! You are bound to play a game of pétanque. You will find pétanque courts all over the towns and villages of the region. Join a group or start a tournament with friends. The best time to play is during the "aperitif", with a good pastis and some tapenade.